Music: Stephen the Levite – 143 ft. Chris Jackson

Statistics show abortion is the number one killer of blacks in America and millions–both women and men–wrestle with guilt years after the deed is done. Lamp Mode’s lyrical theologian, Stephen the Levite, opens up about one of his children being aborted in high school in a just-released promotional video titled, “Truth Is…”

“Truth is, I got a girl pregnant when I was in high school, and she ended up aborting the baby. And if that child was still alive, it’d be a teenager by now,” said the introspective artist in the mini documentary-style visual directed by Scouts Honor Media.

“And that’s a reality I have to live with. That was something I had to think about when I was writing one of the songs for this album.”

Stephen the Levite, a devoted husband and father, describes Can I Be Honest?, which releases November 18, as “the hardest album I’ve had to write.” It is also said to be his most transparent, sharing both the highs and lows of life and love—the latter being the focal point of his second single, “143,” featuring Chris Jackson.

Along the lines of “S.O.S.”—A previous lyrical ode to his wife Trisha—“143” (An incorporation of the pager code 143, which means I Love You), serves as a fresh public tribute to his “bae.”

“Who said love songs are an R&B thing? I’ll do more in the Lord’s name if it’s pleasing,” rhymes Stephen the Levite, real name Darrell Bell, reminding listeners that the open admiration of his bride is biblical in origin.

“There’s proof in the Proverbs that my public praise is proper, personal pleasure, and props to God’s work,” he adds in one of the lines of the single that offers a glimpse inside his imperfect, yet God-honoring, union. As the release date of Can I Be Honest? draws nearer, Stephen the Levite continues pulling back layers of the complex project until the day arrives when the full spectrum of all he wishes to say is revealed.

Take a listen to “143 ft. Chris Jackson,” the new single from Stephen the Levite’s upcoming album, Can I Be Honest?

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